Demands to crack down on speeding motorists

Published:13:04Friday 17 July 2015

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Campaigners are urging the council to take action against motorists who tear through a residential 30mph zone with no regard for safety.

Residents of Bardowie are worried that a serious accident could happen at any time with drivers treating Balmore Road like a “race track” and say that a speed camera is the only option they can see having a real effect.

Concerned resident, Keith McBain told the Herald: “The fact is the 30mph limit is completely ignored by certain drivers who speed through and even overtake within the 30mph zone.

“Either they don’t realise or care that there can be pedestrians, including young children, literally just a few feet from their vehicles, on the pavements, at bus stops or in driveways.

“We want a permanent speed camera as this will be the only practical way of ensuring the legal speed limit is obeyed by certain drivers.

“As a community we are grateful to those who do drive carefully, it doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Another resident who lives on Station Road in Bardowie, Jan MacKay, said clearer signage and speed cameras are needed to improve the situation and that drivers should be aware of school buses which operate in the area.

She said: “It’s only by the grace of God that there hasn’t been a serious accident.”

The council said they have introduced improvements to Balmore Road including anti skid surfacing, a vehicle activated sign and slow marking to encourage motorists to drive within the speed limit.

Grace Irvine, director of neighbourhood services, said: “Bardowie was subject to a speed limit review in September 2010 by Colin Buchanan and Partners Ltd for the council.

“The review showed that the 30 miles per hour speed limit is appropriate.

“As it is a busy ‘A’ class road, physical traffic calming is not suitable.

“I would urge motorists to drive within the speed limit and take into account levels of visibility and weather conditions.”

Keith McBain added that it is not a problem with “boy racers” but it is people who are on their way to work or even people with children in their cars who are the worst offenders.

“It’s quite frustrating because an average speed test doesn’t highlight the one in five drivers who tear through.

“It’s become a bit of a phenomenon.

“Those who see it as an opportunity to overtake and put their foot down.”

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